Forties pipeline repairs 'mechanically complete'

Forties Pipeline System (FPS) operator Ineos says all restrictions on flow through the pipeline have now been lifted following mechanical completion of a repair to the onshore section of the major North Sea export trunkline.

"All restrictions on the flow of oil and gas from platforms feeding into the pipeline system have been fully lifted. All customers and control rooms have now been informed," the company said in an update on December 28.

"Based on current estimates the company expects to bring the pipeline and Kinneil progressively back to normal rates around new year."

Ineos has partially re-started the Kinneil facility. "Flows through the pipeline and Kinneil will be increased gradually as we prove the system," the company said. "There is currently increased flaring at the site as we begin to progressively and safely bring the different streams online."

FPS is a major export pipeline from more than 80 assets in the UK North Sea, including the UK's two largest producers, Buzzard and Forties. A hairline crack was found early December in an onshore section of the 235mi-long FPS, through which 40% of North Sea oil flowed in 2017.